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Terror will not win says Bishop Martin

Monday 19th June 2017

The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, says the London attack on the Muslim community is an attack on all of us, our values and our communities, and terror cannot win.

Bishop Martin’s comments come after a van was driven into worshippers near Finsbury Park mosque, one man died, 10 people were injured, and eight people were left in hospital.

A 48-year-old suspect was arrested after being detained by police, and the driver is said to have screamed “I'm going to kill all Muslims.” Police are treating the incident after Ramadan prayers as a terrorist attack.

"My heart goes out to the victims, the bereaved, their families and community. This is attack on all of us, on our values and our communities, whatever our faith.

"The responses to the terrible incidents in recent weeks, and engagement up and down the country in the “Great Get Together” this past weekend honouring the work of Jo Cox, all show we are bound together in a common humanity characterised by tolerance, generosity and kindness.

"People want to live and work together in harmony, for the good of all. The terrorists cannot change that, and we must confront the evil and hatred they live by wherever it exists.”

The Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich, added: “This appalling violence smacks of the kind of tit for tat response to the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London that plays into the hands of ISIS and others.

“Our response needs to be one of solidarity, compassion and support for our Muslim brothers and sisters affected by this attack and more widely a standing together against those who would draw us into any kind of hostility toward fellow citizens.”

The white van ploughed into pedestrians who were helping an elderly worshipper who had collapsed in an area that was busy with people who had attended Ramadan night prayers.

The pensioner they were helping later died. Police said he had already been receiving first aid from members of the public and it is not yet known if his death was caused by the attack.

A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder over the incident in Seven Sisters Road.